In today’s fast-paced, digitally connected world, it’s almost impossible to avoid social media and technology. While these tools can bring us closer together, they also have a darker side, especially when it comes to mental health. Lets take a closer look at how these things can influence someone struggling with Binge Eating Disorder (BED).
Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword
Social media is everywhere—Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and countless other platforms flood our screens with images and videos. On the one hand, these platforms can be sources of inspiration, connection, and support. We follow fitness influencers, healthy eating advocates, and others who seem to have it all together. But there’s a flip side to this seemingly motivational content.
When our feeds are filled with perfectly plated meals, chiselled abs, and diet tips, it can create an unrealistic standard of what our bodies should look like and how we should eat. For someone struggling with BED, this constant exposure can be overwhelming. It’s easy to fall into a cycle of comparison, feeling like you don’t measure up, which can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and ultimately perpetuate the cycle of restrictive eating and binge eating.
The Pressure to Conform
Social media also amplifies societal pressures around body image. Hashtags like #thinspiration and #fitspo can perpetuate unhealthy attitudes toward food and body size. While not everyone who uses these hashtags has bad intentions, the content often emphasises restrictive eating and extreme fitness regimes that can trigger or exacerbate disordered eating behaviours.
For individuals with BED, this pressure to conform to a certain body type can intensify feelings of inadequacy. Instead of promoting a balanced approach to health and well-being, social media sometimes encourages extremes—whether it’s cutting out entire food groups or pushing through gruelling workouts despite exhaustion. This can create a toxic cycle of restriction followed by binge eating as a response to both physical and emotional deprivation.
Technology: Friend or Foe?
Technology isn’t just about social media. We’ve also seen a rise in apps and devices designed to track every aspect of our lives—from calories consumed to steps taken to hours slept. While these tools can be helpful “friend” for some, they can be a dark “foe” for those with BED and other eating disorders.
Tracking technology can quickly turn into obsessive behaviour. Constantly tracking calories or steps can contribute to a feeling of being out of control, and when things don’t go perfectly, it can trigger a binge.
The Impact of Online Communities
One of the more complex aspects of social media and technology is the role of online communities. On the one hand, there are supportive communities that offer understanding, resources, and a safe space to share struggles and successes. These groups can be invaluable for someone dealing with BED, offering a sense of connection and validation.On the other hand, not all online communities are created equal. Some spaces might reinforce unhealthy behaviours or promote a “diet culture” mentality that can be harmful. It’s crucial to find communities that focus on health and well-being rather than perfection.
Finding Balance in a Digital World
So, where does this leave us? Social media and technology aren’t going anywhere, and they can certainly play a role in managing and understanding binge eating disorder. The key is finding balance.
Here are a few tips to navigate the digital world if you’re dealing with BED:
- Curate Your Feed: Follow accounts that promote body positivity and realistic approaches to health. Unfollow or mute accounts that make you feel bad about yourself or trigger disordered eating thoughts and behaviours.
- Use Technology Mindfully: If you’re using apps to track food or exercise, be aware of how they make you feel. If they’re causing more stress than support, it might be time to take a break or find a different tool.
- Seek Out Supportive Communities: Find online groups or forums that focus on recovery and well-being. Avoid spaces that glorify extreme diets or body types.
- Take Digital Breaks: Sometimes, the best thing you can do is step away from the screen. Whether it’s a weekend detox or just a few hours without your phone, taking time away from social media can help reset your perspective.
Our team of psychologists and dietitians are here to help you better navigate your social media usage so that it is a positive influence to your life. Connect with us for support on your eating disorder recovery journey, we answer all enquiries through our friendly client care coordinators who can help determine the right clinician for you to receive the best support. Call us on (02) 43 623 443 or complete our online contact form and we will get in touch with you.
